Found my latest Ohlins catalogue. BM836 495mm long 80mm stroke. BM 541 498.5mm long 78.5mm stroke.
The BM541 has the reservoir but has a fractionally shorter stroke which would equate to 4mm less travel.
In theory you should be able to have a shock that's 498.5 mm and has 83.5 stroke

I went for another ride at Woodhill today. It was even better than last time. they keep changing the tracks, so it's always a new experience.

Two downsides were that I lost my sunglasses and also had to switch to reserve on the first run. Although I was keen to hop on an intermediate track, I wasn't so keen to run out of fuel.

The beginners track was pretty rideable on an adventure bike. Not many beginners seem to use it. And the little kid that passed me as I got stuck on a hill due to lack of fuel, had no trouble getting around me. He was on a bike so small, I could have added it to my tool kit.

You really learn how to look where you want to go, as hitting a tree wasn't an option. I didn't fall off, but a laps in concentration saw me take an alternative route once or twice.

I got a couple of strange looks, but since I've stayed out of the "big boy's" tracks, nobody seemed to mind. If you are in Auckland, you should give it a go.

I went for another ride at Woodhill today. It was even better than last time. they keep changing the tracks, so it's always a new experience.

Two downsides were that I lost my sunglasses and also had to switch to reserve on the first run. Although I was keen to hop on an intermediate track, I wasn't so keen to run out of fuel.

The beginners track was pretty rideable on an adventure bike. Not many beginners seem to use it. And the little kid that passed me as I got stuck on a hill due to lack of fuel, had no trouble getting around me. He was on a bike so small, I could have added it to my tool kit.

You really learn how to look where you want to go, as hitting a tree wasn't an option. I didn't fall off, but a laps in concentration saw me take an alternative route once or twice.

I got a couple of strange looks, but since I've stayed out of the "big boy's" tracks, nobody seemed to mind. If you are in Auckland, you should give it a go.

Sounds like fun. I reckon taking a big adv bike out of its and the riders comfort zone is a bloody good way to upskill. Just ask the NADS. Remember them?

Did you notice the bike wanting to fall over sideways when going slow?
I always find Schmidt dropping to the right when slowing down for an obstacle or very tight turn. I put it down to the centrifugal gyroscopical effect.

Are you gonna come down for the cape to cape? We really should all meet up there and talk about cams, pipe tobacco, tartan vs sheepskin slippers etc.

Did you notice the bike wanting to fall over sideways when going slow?
I always find Schmidt dropping to the right when slowing down for an obstacle or very tight turn. I put it down to the centrifugal gyroscopical effect.

Are you gonna come down for the cape to cape? We really should all meet up there and talk about cams, pipe tobacco, tartan vs sheepskin slippers etc.

Real tight corners are a problem, but if I hang out my derriere far enough it's ok. I must be getting better at it, as I wasn't getting as hot as last time, even though it was warmer. I've learnt that I have to accelerate down steep sandy bits and to do a lot of the steering by shifting my weight.

I ride mainly standing up. Sitting down and sticking a leg out wasn't really working with all those trees around and some sections were really deeply undulated. When I first did this sort of stuff, my knees felt like they were going to popp, after a few km as I used to be way too tense.

But if you picture me riding, think slow motion, not Chris Birch.

All going well, I'll do at least part of the Cape to Cape. It's the panic time of the year for me, but a change of scenery will be good.

I assume change of job (based on your enquiries re Queenstown I guess you were looking)?

Yes, been wanting to make the move for a while now. I had the choice, but felt more comfortable in Blenheim. Queenstown is full of tourists and I don't think I could put up with that in the long run. Plus the cost of living there was also a factor.

Shhh Pete, Blenheim is a wonderous place - well actually it surprises me how parochial Marlboroughites are. There is good fishing, hunting, diving, strong cycling clubs, taking visitors to winerys, Best of all I'll have someone to visit & talk about important things like bikes when I have to visit the inlaws over there.

What do yo do for a job? Hopefully something to do with lathes & welders & stuff cos I know where there is a garage full of that stuff abandoned by the owner